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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production continues.